Download the content of a file attachment by its sys_id. Args: - sys_id (string): sys_id of the attachment (get from servicenow_list_attachments) - response_format: Output format Returns: File content for text files (plain text, XML, JSON, CSV, JS, etc.). Binary files return metadata and a downlo...
AI agents call servicenow_get_attachment_content to retrieve information from Servicenow without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves attachment content from ServiceNow by sys_id without any side effects. It does not create, modify, delete, or execute operations — it only reads and returns data. While attachments could contain sensitive information, the risk is mitigated by requiring a valid sys_id (obtained via servicenow_list_attachments), making unauthorized access less straightforward. Classification as Read is appropriate.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Download the content of a file attachment' and 'Returns: File content' — this is a retrieval operation with no modification or deletion of data. The tool queries and returns existing attachment content.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Download the content of a file attachment by its sys_id. Args: - sys_id (string): sys_id of the attachment (get from servicenow_list_attachments) - response_format: Output format Returns: File content for text files (plain text, XML, JSON, CSV, JS, etc.). Binary files return metadata and a download URL only. Note: Use servicenow_list_attachments first to find the sys_id of the attachment. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Servicenow MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Servicenow MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for servicenow_get_attachment_content: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Servicenow. Nothing to install.
servicenow_get_attachment_content is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the servicenow_get_attachment_content rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for servicenow_get_attachment_content. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
servicenow_get_attachment_content is provided by the Servicenow MCP server (kylburns89/servicenow-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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